Damien gave her a quick hug. “By the way, happy birthday, Celine.”
She smiled at him. “Merci! Now go!” The two opened the door a slit, checking the hallway. It was clear, so they made their way out and to their own rooms.
Celine paced the floor for a few minutes then sat down at the desk in the room, preparing to write a letter to her father. She had only recorded the date and heading before she heard a knock. “Celine? Celine! It’s me,” Celeste’s voice called out, “Please open the door. Sister, please. I am not cross, I just want to talk.”
Celine put down her quill and, unlocking her door, let Celeste into the room. She was carrying a tray. “Happy birthday, sister dear!” Celeste said brightly. “I brought you some breakfast and some tea. Teddy told me you were not in attendance for breakfast this morning.”
“Thank you but please, Celeste, I am not hungry.”
“Oh, Celine, please try to eat something. I worry about you.”
Celine was silent, afraid if she spoke she may say something to her sister that she would regret.
“Please, Celine, can we talk?”
“I do not feel well enough to talk,” Celine said.
“That’s fine, Celine, then just listen,” Celeste said, setting the tray on the bed and drawing Celine to sit down with her on the edge. She took her sister’s hands in hers. “I heard that you did not accept Duke Northcott’s proposal.” Celine began to pull her hands away but Celeste kept a firm grip on them. “I am not cross, perhaps I pushed you too hard. Perhaps you are not ready, particularly for such an imposing man. Please, sister dear, can you forgive me for the short-tempered words that we exchanged yesterday?”
Celine looked into her sister’s eyes, a match to hers in every way. She searched them for any signs she was lying. Was her sister letting her off the hook? “Oh, Celeste, of course I forgive you! You are my sister, you will always be my sister and I hate it when we fight.” Moving closer, she threw her arms around Celeste in an embrace.
Celeste let out a sigh of relief and a laugh. “Oh, I love you, Celine, really I do, that is why I sometimes get so cross. I want only the best for you.”
“I know,” Celine said, leaning back to face her sister again.
“Now,” Celeste said, “don’t think I have gone too soft and agree with you. I still believe that Duke Northcott is a good match for you and I know that he is still interested. You have made an impression on him, sister dear. I hope that I can convince you of that, but I do not want to quarrel with you over it. Not before your breakfast anyway.” She laughed, motioning to the tray.
“Celeste, please, I don’t want to quarrel with you either, but I do not agree he is a good match. He is a violent man. And I did initially accept his proposal last night,” Celine said, eating a bit of the porridge and taking a sip of tea.
“You did? Whatever happened for you to change your mind so quickly?”
Celine nodded as she ate another few spoonfuls of porridge. “I did as you and Teddy advised. Oh, Celeste, I really did try. He insisted that we marry today. I disagreed. I wanted Papa to be here. I did not understand why we should be so quick to marry. I would be married before Papa even learned I was engaged.”
“And?” Celeste prompted, waiting as Celine ate more and sipped more of her tea.
“And he did not react well. He grabbed my wrist, twisting it until I was in pain and told me I must learn to obey him. His sudden turn frightened me and I called it off.”
Celeste considered the story for a moment while Celine finished her porridge. “You know, Celine, I don’t always agree with Teddy, but I do as he sets forth, that is part of being a good wife. You are so young to understand and it must seem terribly unfair, particularly since Papa has let you do as your heart pleased for so long. He has spoiled you.” She smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind Celine’s ear. “But it is my job as your older sister to make sure you will be looked after.”
“You think I should have agreed then?”
Celeste stood, walking a few steps away from the bed, contemplating the question. After a moment, she responded, “You reacted hastily. You should have sought me out for counsel. Together we would have sorted things out. Teddy and I are your guardians at the moment, we could have intervened.”
“I did not expect you would have listened, Celeste.”
“And for that I am sorry,” she said, turning to face her.
Celine sighed. “It is over now,” she said, stifling a yawn. “I am feeling very tired. I must confess, I did not sleep well.”
“Oh, yes, no doubt from the upset. Again, I apologize for my part in that but I hope it is resolved and we can put it behind us.”
Celine smiled sleepily. “Yes.”
“Here, let me help you into bed,” Celeste said, pulling the covers up around her, “rest now, sister dear, rest.” Celeste kissed her forehead as Celine’s eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep.
Celeste moved the tray from the bed, setting it on the dressing table before opening the door. “Is it done?” Duke Northcott asked, entering the room.
“It is. She is sleeping, the sedative acted as we expected.”
Duke Northcott approached the bed, staring down at Celine. He traced a finger down her cheek before leaning in to kiss her slightly parted lips. “Soon, my dear Celine, you will be mine,” he whispered.
“Duke?” Celeste said gingerly, “If I may be so bold as to say I believe my sister was earnest in her acceptance of you last night. I believe she may have been overwhelmed and frightened when she behaved so poorly.”
“I admire your sister’s strength and steadfastness to her convictions,” he said, fondling her hair as he admired her. “She will make a loyal follower once she has joined us.”
“She is still very young. Perhaps if you were to approach her just one more time, showing her tenderness, she would respond to your liking.”
Standing, he turned to face her. “I will not be told how to conduct my affairs, Celeste.”
“My apologies, Duke,” Celeste said, her head sinking to her chest, “I was only attempting to help your cause.”
“Then do as you are told.”
“Yes, Duke. I will do everything you ask.”
“Good. See that she stays sedated until we are ready,” he said, leaving Celeste alone to look after Celine.
Chapter 30
Michael and Damien made their way to the garden around quarter to ten in the evening. They hadn’t seen Celine since earlier this morning after breakfast. She had not appeared for lunch, tea or dinner. Celeste apologized on her behalf, stating that she was ill and resting in bed. The explanation did not sit well with Damien and Michael. Aware of the circumstances of what had transpired between Duke Northcott and Celine, they hoped it meant she was avoiding further contact with the Duke and an impossible social situation and was not indicative of a deeper problem.
They waited in the moonlight, looking at the cloudless sky. “It’s amazing how many stars are up there,” Michael said.
“Yes, you never notice what light pollution drowns out until you witness a world without it,” Damien responded.
Soon there was movement along the path and they could make out a figure coming toward them, from the opposite direction of the house. As he approached, they recognized the form of Theodore. “Gentlemen,” he said as he approached. “I hope you are ready for the evening. It promises to be most interesting.”
“We are ready, sir!” Michael said, trying to sound enthusiastic.
“Looking forward to an interesting evening,” Damien added.
“Good, good. You’ve come on a good night,” Theodore said, leading them down a path toward the shore. “We are inducting a new member this evening, so you can witness a little of the process that is required of you to become a full member.”
“Member, sir?” Michael questioned.
“Yes, oh, it’s a very exclusive club. You were fortunate to have found your way to us.”
“I see,”
Michael answered. “What all does the club do?”
“Oh, mostly dalliances here and there, but let me tell you there are great benefits to joining.”
“Benefits?”
“Why yes, many men have seen a positive change in their fortunes after joining. The already fortunate have grown more so. As a young lad starting out in your own ventures, this could be useful to you to build your fortune, attract a good wife, and build a lifestyle other men can only envy.”
“I see, well it sounds like we were very fortunate to have happened upon you when we did,” Michael surmised as they neared the beach.
Theodore stopped just short of the sand, moving toward what looked like a stone wall. Michael and Damien were surprised to see it was a cave opening as they neared the rocky outcropping. They followed Theodore into the cave after exchanging a wary glance. This was not the best place to be, given only one entrance and exit existed, however, this was most likely what the group intended.
They followed Theodore through a series of tunnels that wound further and further into the cave. The air grew cold and damp, the walls wet to the touch. Deep inside, one of the tunnels opened into a large cavernous space. Candles were placed around, casting shadows throughout the space with their dim light. Theodore picked up a few black robes that had been placed on a stalagmite near the cavern’s entrance and passed one to each of them, donning one himself. “Please wear these robes and take your place over there.” He motioned toward the back of the cavern. “I caution you, do not interfere with the ceremony in any way. You are here only to observe, your time for entry into the group will come after a series of tests, tonight being one of them. Do you understand?”
They both nodded their agreement and took their place near the back of the cavern.
“I am completely creeped out right now,” Damien whispered.
“Me, too. What is under that black sheet?” Michael whispered back.
“I don’t know. Looks like some kind of altar. Oh man, I really hope it’s not like a sacrifice or something.”
“Why did you have to say that? Now that’s all I’m thinking about.”
“Celeste is here, too, see her blond hair poking out of her hood up there? Near the altar.”
“Yeah, looks like she’s a member, along with her husband. I don’t see the Duke.”
“Me either, or Celine, but look, next to Celeste, a book. Could that be the Book of the Dead?”
“I don’t know but I’d bet it is. How are we going to get it?”
“No idea, but I think I spotted an opening behind us. It’s hard to tell, it’s so dark back here, but we might be able to run out through there if we have to.”
“Good to know,” Michael said, as a gong sounded. “Here we go.”
At the sound of the gong, a low chant began to fill the chamber. From another tunnel, Duke Northcott appeared, wearing a similar long black robe, the hood thrown back. He approached the altar, stopping in front of it. The chanting continued growing louder and louder.
“Tonight,” he said in a loud voice as the chanting lowered to a murmur, “we welcome a new member to our group. A very important member, a member who will stand by my side as we continue to make our mark on the world. Let us begin.”
Turning toward the altar, he pulled the black cloth off of the altar revealing what was underneath.
“Oh my God,” Damien said, putting his hand over his mouth that was agape. “It’s Celine.”
Celine lay on her back, unmoving; her eyes were closed as if she was asleep. Duke Northcott fingered a lock of her hair, staring down at her for a moment before continuing. He removed something from his pocket and leaned toward her. “It’s time to wake up, Celine, dear,” he said, holding something under her nose.
Her face twisted as though the smell was putrid and her eyes shot open. She blinked a few times, her brow furrowing with confusion. Duke Northcott leaned over her, stroking her cheek. “Celine, darling, how are you? Here, take a drink of this, it will steady you.” He offered her a chalice. She sipped it. “Can you sit up?” he asked, helping her to sit up. She was dazed, as though she was drugged, unable to comprehend what was happening.
“Should we be doing something? What is he giving her?” Damien asked.
“I don’t know, I don’t think there’s anything we can do,” Michael whispered back.
“Where… where am I?” she mumbled, her words slurred. She placed her hand on the Duke’s arm as she swayed, coming close to falling off the altar.
“You are at your initiation ceremony, my darling,” he answered her.
“What?” she said, shaking her head.
“Your initiation ceremony. Tonight you will join our ranks, my ranks. You become one of us, sign your name in the Book of the Dead and you will stand beside me as we conquer the world. All these people are here for you, Celine,” he said, waving his hand to encompass those in the cavern. “Your sister, your brother-in-law, even your new friends, the Carlyles.”
“Okay, that was low,” Michael said, “he’s trying to make her think we’re here for whatever sick game he’s playing with her.”
Celine’s breath quickened, she put a hand to her chest. “My heart is racing,” she said.
“Yes, that’s just the drink taking effect. It will make you more alert. Can you stand now?”
She slid down off of the altar to her feet. She swayed a bit as though drunk, grasping at Duke Northcott to stay upright. Within a few moments, she gained her footing, seeming to become hyper alert. Her eyes darted around the cavern frantically. “Celeste?” she asked, seeing her sister.
“She’s in a trance, she cannot communicate with you. Now, Celine, it is time, time for you to become one of us. Your powers are impressive, but you need guidance. I can provide that for you, but you must join us.”
Celine looked at him, questioning. “Join us, Celine. You know I offer you eternal life, eternal youth. Your power joined with mine will bring the world to its knees. But first you must be initiated.” He nodded toward a black-robed figure standing near a tunnel. The man disappeared and reappeared, pulling another hooded figure into the cavern. He removed the man’s hood and shoved him forward. Duke Northcott removed a dagger from within his robe, placing it in Celine’s hand. He grasped her hand in his and raised the dagger to point toward the man. “You must kill him, Celine.”
Celine swiveled to face him. “I will not!” she said, incredulous.
“Celine, you must draw blood to become one of us. I order you to kill him, now kill him.”
“I do not wish to become one of you. You and your… your cult, it’s evil.”
“No, Celine. This man is evil, we are ridding the world of evil, kill him.” The man looked pleadingly at Celine, his eyes silently begging her not to kill him. “This man has committed many crimes, he must be punished. Kill him.”
Celine pulled her hand from his. “Only God shall judge,” she said, stepping away from him.
Duke Northcott sighed. “Your stubbornness will be your undoing, Celine. I did not want to show you this but you leave me no choice.” He nodded again toward the man who had retrieved the accused criminal. The man disappeared again into one of the tunnels, returning slowly this time, dragging something. “Look, Celine, behold one of this man’s many crimes.”
Celine turned to identify what the robed man was bringing. Her eyes grew wide as it became clear he was dragging a body. He flung it into the middle of the cavern. The body rolled, landing face up. Michael and Damien gasped as they recognized the face. “NO! PAPA!” Celine shouted, racing to the body. She lifted his head in her arms as she wept over him. She cried out toward the heavens in an agonizing pitch.
Damien made a move to go to her but Michael held him back. “Don’t, we can’t risk it yet, we all need to make it out of here alive.” Damien reluctantly agreed, remaining visibly bothered by the scene unfolding in front of him.
Duke Northcott approached her, caressing her hair. “There, there, my darling, Celine
. We are your new family. We will take care of you now.” He pulled her to her feet. She clung to him, still wailing with heartbreak. He walked her away from the body, back to the prisoner. “Now, my darling,” he said, brushing her hair from her face and holding her face in his hands, “kill this man.”
Tears continued to stream down her face. She looked like a frightened child as she stared up at him, in complete and utter shock. He placed the knife in her hands again. “This is the man responsible for your father’s death. When your father departed, he robbed him on his way to the ship and then killed him. He killed your father for a few pieces of gold, Celine. Now, I want you to make him pay for his crimes. Kill him, Celine.” He pointed the knife toward him, holding her hand in his again.
“No,” she sobbed, “no, I cannot.”
“Celine, listen to me, kill him. You can and you must. I will guide your hand, I will provide you with the strength you do not have, but you must kill him.” Pulling her closer, he pressed the knife forward until it was touching the man’s chest.
Celine sobbed, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please,” the man said to her, his lip quivering.
Celine squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. Duke Northcott moved around so he was behind Celine. “Celine, he killed your father in cold blood, make him pay,” he growled into her ear. “Do it now, Celine.”
Celine was wide-eyed as she peered at the man then scanned the room. She sniffled and choked additional tears out as her eyes darted between her intended victim and the others. “Celeste?” she asked again.
“She cannot help you, Celine, she is in a trance. Now, concentrate, Celine. Finish your task and you shall see her again.”
Celine looked toward Damien and Michael. Michael shook his head slightly showing that he did not agree with what was happening. She glanced back at the man in front of her then back to her friends. Damien mouthed the word “book” to her and darted his eyes toward it. She followed his glance, noting the book. She looked back at him, giving him a slight nod.
“NO!” she shouted, pulling her hand from the Duke’s hand and letting the knife clatter to the floor. She took a few steps back away from him, moving toward the book. “No,” she shouted again, “I will not do it, I will not join you.”
Shadows of the Past: A Supernatural Suspense Mystery (Shadow Slayers Stories Book 1) Page 27
